7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a typical fixture in the home that we use daily. We tend to think of the convenience of it as something we take for granted, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s not a trash can. There are certain items that should not ever be flushed away down the toilet because they can cause obstruction inside the sewer or damage in sewer lines.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items in the bathroom because they could block the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items that you shouldn’t to flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking grease
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Cleaning any of these items can result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system. This can result in an unimaginable cost to you.
- Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services.
Here are seven household items should not be flushed down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be convenient but they don’t break down like toilet paper and could clog water lines. You should dispose of them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet could cause blockages in both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment plants.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Oil and grease must be disposed of in a container and thrown away in the trash, as they’ll get hard and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually marketed by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause issues later on when they are combined with other items and cause a clog.
5. Medications
Medicines should not be flushed into the toilet as they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is created to be sturdy that means it will not fall apart in water, leading to the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Contrary to toilet paper paper towels have a thicker weave that makes them less likely to break down quickly when wet, meaning they can easily cause blockages.
In the end, flushing any of these items can lead to blocked drains and damaged pipes within your home’s plumbing system which comes at an unforetold expense to you. Be mindful of what you flush down the toilet.
| Item | Reason for not Flushing |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes | Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead. |
| Condoms | Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants. |
| Cooking grease and oil | Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes. |
| Feminine hygiene products | Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable". |
| Medications | Can contaminate our water sources. |
| Dental floss | Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes. |
| Paper towels | Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper. |
Common Questions & Answers
Can flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not dissolve in water and can cause blockages in your pipes or sewer system.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes do not necessarily break down quickly and can lead to clogs in your pipes.
Can I wash baby wipes by flushing them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed into the toilet because they don’t dissolve quickly and could cause blockages.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and aren’t broken down as easily, leading to the possibility of clogging the plumbing system.
What about medications? Can I flush them through the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways. Therefore, it’s essential to dispose of them properly by taking the containers to an appropriate drop-off point.
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain do not hesitate to contact our professional plumbing service for assistance at Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing . We offer unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure your home is free of issues with drainage. Call us now to make an appointment.
Additional Information
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- High Pressure Drain Cleaning: The Key to a Robust Plumbing System
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- Don't Panic: Tips for Handling a Blocked Toilet
